Cucurbituril as host molecule for the complexation of aliphatic alcohols, acids and nitriles in aqueous solution

The complex formation between the macrocyclic ligand cucurbituril and aliphatic alcohols, acids and nitriles has been studied using calorimetric titrations. The polar groups and the number of methylene groups of the guest molecules studied do not influence the stability of the complexes formed. Changes in solvation of the ligand cucurbituril are responsible for the high stability constants. During the complex formation, two solvent molecules are liberated.